Law enforcement program cracks down on crime

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Siskiyou Daily News, Yreka, CA

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Posted Feb. 25, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Updated Feb 25, 2013 at 11:11 AM

Posted Feb. 25, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Updated Feb 25, 2013 at 11:11 AM

Happy Camp

HAPPY CAMP – Local law enforcement agencies have joined with federal and state agencies to form a special enforcement team called the Crime Emergency Response Program (CERP) – aimed at identifying criminal activity in the community.

“CERP operations will be conducted at least twice a month in areas within the county plagued by crime problems,” stated a press release issued by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). “The SCSO is taking a proactive stance in response to crime problems and citizens’ complaints within most areas of the county utilizing SCSO and partner agencies.”

On Feb, 19, CERP conducted the first of many special enforcement details with the initial operation launched in Happy Camp.

SCSO deputies, detectives, correctional officers, patrol commander and chaplain; probation department representatives; the Siskiyou County Inter-Agency Narcotics Task Force; California Highway Patrol officials; US Forest Service law enforcement officers; and other available agencies participated in the first special enforcement effort.

“This team of highly-specialized personnel made a total of 11 arrests of adults and one juvenile for various felony and misdemeanor crimes,” stated the release.

The following individuals were among those arrested, transported and booked into the Siskiyou County Jail:

• Jodie Towne, 36, of Happy Camp, for two violation of probation warrants. She was cited and released;

• David Perry, 69, of Klamath River, for two violation of probation warrants and failure to appear. He was cited and released;

• Eric Franklin, 51, of Happy Camp, for two charges of violation of probation. He was released on his own recognizance;

• Joe Frank Harrison, 57, of Happy Camp, for violation of probation. He was cited and released;

• Joe Blackhawk Harrison, 22, of Happy Camp, for two violation of probation warrants. He posted $50,000 bail and was released;

• Gary White, 55, of Happy Camp, for violation of parole and contempt of court. He was cited and released;

• Jeffery Wilkins, 41, of Happy Camp, for possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. He was cited and released; and

• Joann Rose, 38, of Happy Camp, for possession of a controlled substance and obstructing/resisting arrest. She posted $10,000 bail and was released.

Sheriff Jon Lopey stated, “This operation was a success because we worked with several different law enforcement agencies to proactively prevent, deter and mitigate a number of crimes, including serious felony and misdemeanor offenses. This program is a good way to deal with a number of crime problems, illicit drug use, and complaints from citizens because it leverages additional resources from federal, state and local agencies which would otherwise not be available for such operations.

“Collectively, we will continue to focus our attention on criminals preying on innocent victims throughout Siskiyou County and those illegally using or transporting illicit drugs. We will also continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure that those on probation or released on bail for criminal offenses are complying with lawful requirements of their release.”

Page 2 of 2 - Lopey noted that special enforcement details will concentrate on sex offender compliance checks, service of arrest warrants, medical marijuana compliance checks, probation and parole checks and searches for criminal fugitives hiding in local areas.

He said the SCSO will attempt to place offenders arrested during these operations in alternative sentencing programs to help them with drug and alcohol addictions and mental health issues.

“The message is simple – criminals should be worried if they are breaking the law anywhere in Siskiyou County. Eventually, they will be held to answer for their crimes,” stated Lopey.